MAN ARRESTED IN OCEANSIDE FOR ALLEGEDLY FIRING GUN

Police arrested a man accused of shooting an AR-15 rifle into the ground Monday during an argument with another man while both were on bicycles.

Ryan Smith, 31, was taken into custody on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm, Oceanside police Lt. Leonard Mata said. No one was injured.

Police were called about 2 p.m. to South Ditmar Street, near Topeka Street, to investigate a report of a gunshot. David Mitchell, 32, flagged down police and said he and Smith had been arguing while on their bikes nearby.

At one point, Smith reportedly reached into a canvas bag, pointed the rifle at the ground and fired it while it was still in the bag, Mata said. The round hit the ground near Mitchell.

Mitchell later flagged down police near Smith’s parents’ house on Ditmar.

Smith’s mother carried the rifle out in the canvas bag. Smith surrendered without incident about 3:50 p.m.

Smith does not live with his parents, Mata said. It is not yet known who owned the rifle.

Susan Shroder • U-T

Suspect in 10 armed robberies apprehended in National City

National City

A 45-year-old man who authorities believe is the Be Cool Bandit, suspected of 10 armed robberies and other crimes since May, was arrested Monday by National City police.

Police Sgt. Julian Villagomez said officers spotted Elvin Foster Jr. about 9 a.m. near a home on Euclid Avenue near Plaza Boulevard.

Authorities around the county had developed evidence that led them to Foster, and they had been staking out places where he was believed to be staying.

The robber got his nickname because he had uttered “be cool” to one of his early victims, Villagomez said.

The robberies occurred at gas stations, convenience stores and restaurants in San Diego, El Cajon and National City.

The most recent was Sunday night at a 7-Eleven on 18th Street in National City.

J. Harry Jones • U-T

Girl, 13, found unconscious and lying partially unclothed

Chula Vista

Police are investigating the possible sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl who was found lying unconscious with her pants pulled down outside an apartment in Chula Vista.

Police were called to the complex on Anita Street west of Broadway about 9:35 p.m. Sunday, where someone had reported seeing the girl on the ground and a man standing nearby, Chula Vista police Capt. Gary Wedge said.

That person yelled at the man and he ran, Wedge said.

The girl, who had been drinking, was taken to Rady Children’s Hospital to be checked out, Wedge said.

The captain said that investigators have not determined what happened. “We don’t know the extent of what we have,” Wedge said.

Investigators believe that the girl knew the man seen standing next to her. He has been identified and is believed to be about 18 years old.

It appears there is probable cause to arrest him, but further investigation is needed, Wedge said.

Debbi Baker • U-T

Police seek man who crashed, fled on foot during pursuit

SAN DIEGO

Police searched a Skyline neighborhood for a possibly injured man who fled after he crashed his vehicle Monday during a short pursuit.

A motor officer pulled the man over near Noeline Avenue and Noeline Way just before 11 a.m. because his SUV had a cracked window, San Diego police said.

As the officer walked up to the vehicle, it sped off, police said. Seconds later, it crashed into another vehicle. It then overturned and the driver ran off, leaving a trail of blood, police said.

The driver was described as Latino or Asian, about 35 years old, bald, 5 feet 9 inches tall and 250 pounds, wearing a black shirt and khaki pants.